Canon 1D MII N vs Nikon D5100

On this page, we will be analyzing the Canon 1D MII N versus Nikon D5100, one being a Pro DSLR and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Canon and Nikon. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the 1D MII N (8MP) and D5100 (16MP) and the 1D MII N (APS-H) and D5100 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

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The 1D MII N was brought out 6 years earlier than the D5100 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Canon 1D MII N being a Large SLR camera and the Nikon D5100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the 1D MII N grades versus the D5100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and Nikon D5100. The entire galleries are available at Canon 1D MII N Gallery and Nikon D5100 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon 1D MII N provides external dimensions of 156mm x 158mm x 80mm (6.1" x 6.2" x 3.1") along with a weight of 1565 grams (3.45 lbs) while the Nikon D5100 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 79mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.1") with a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Check the Canon 1D MII N versus Nikon D5100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the 1D MII N against the D5100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 1D MII N and D5100 is 50 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to see the difference in sensor measurements merely by researching technical specs. The photograph below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 1D MII N and D5100.

As you can tell, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The 1D MII N due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Nikon D5100 will result in greater detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs more aggressively. The older 1D MII N will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.